About NMSD

History

While
the New Mexico Legislature officially established the New Mexico School
for the Deaf (NMSD) in 1887, it was deaf-education pioneer Lars Larson
who first planted the school's historic roots in 1885. Using their own
funds, Lars and his wife Belle began teaching deaf students in a small
adobe house in Santa Fe. The deaf couple dreamed of establishing a
permanent place where deaf and hard of hearing children could receive a
quality education. In the 132 years since, NMSD has been making a
difference in the lives of deaf children and their families. NMSD also
has the distinction of being the only land grant school for the deaf in
the country.

We
continue to honor Lars Larson's legacy by providing comprehensive
educational and support services to New Mexico’s deaf and hard of
hearing children and youth between the ages of birth and 21. While most
are enrolled at our Santa Fe campus, we also offer extensive Early
Childhood services on our main campus in Santa Fe, through our satellite
preschools located in Albuquerque, Farmington, Gallup and Las Cruces. NMSD
also supports students and their families across the state through its
Early Intervention and Involvement Division (EIID), which includes the
Parent-Infant-Child Program and Deaf Mentor Program and the Center for
Educational Consultation and Training (CECT).

Any child from 18 months to 21 living in New Mexico and has a diagnosed
hearing loss can be considered for school enrollment and attend free of
charge. Children statewide age birth through six can access the Parent Infant Child Program and Deaf Mentor Program. Children and youth who are enrolled in public school programs,
their families and their educational teams, are eligible for outreach
services through CECT.